HOME Resources Give HOPE

By Deborrah Gilbert

Washington, DC – Last week, as the season of gift-giving is upon us, I was torn over the plethora of unique gift ideas to bestow upon my family and friends. During most of 2010, I promised I would not wait until the last minute to do the holiday shopping. I confess, I always wait for the “right mood” which is probably more like taking cover from the crowds and waiting for the miraculous moment in which the “Spirit moves” and it just takes care of itself. One way or another, it always gets done and the joyful task once again, brings a joy that comes from the thought and act of giving.

A Community Gift of HOPE

Tonight is different. Inspired by the passion of my life’s work, as I gather with my peers in Washington, DC; The Nations Capital, right down the street from President Barak Obama and The First Family.  Community development professionals from all over the country have gathered for solutions, best practices and innovation as the work in many  communities shoulder the challenging issues of our time.  A moment of quiet contemplation is interrupted with a phone call. An all too often call about a family in need of resources and information.

The family is like many others facing foreclosure and an all too complex maze of foreclosure scams, desperation and the inability to make sound decisions,  fearing any move is a step in the wrong direction.   The noise of their frustration is deafening and families are stuck in the same spot or going around in circles with no true action taken to save their homes. Which way do they turn? What can they do? Who can they trust?

Families are being told they must pay up-front fees ranging from $100 – $7000 to stop a sale or foreclosure.  A nightmare at best, too often families are left with little or no options and are left more distrusting of people and systems making such demands.

The bad news is: This is the same story dominating headlines every day. The good news is: HUD approved housing counselors ARE A SOLUTION!

Like batman who finds a cave, and superman, a phone booth, I find a lounge chair and type in the bits of information that will travel along the internet superhighway on its way to the family in need. It’s a moment like this I’m reminded how much I love technology! And when good information travels on the internet, knowledge is power!

Good news, traveling fast, to a family in need is a message worth taking time to send. The family decision after that is their choice. A clear choice.  Soon after, I’ll rest with the idea of them in mind, the picture of a connected and empowered family. Another family, connected to a trusted resource, introduced to certified professionals, along with their empowered action, moves them in the right direction toward a meaningful solution. And in the season of giving, I know we’ve moved forward in helping stabilize, strengthen and build strong communities of choice.

My gift this season is a gift of resourceful knowledge. Families and communities are challenged by joblessness in addition to the looming foreclosure crisis.  We’ll make this a part of the ongoing discussion, but for now, this I know:  When even one family loses their home to foreclosure, the fabric of community is torn and families and children are set on a pathway toward homelessness. This is an unacceptable wound.  If you or someone you know is struggling with foreclosure or the imminent threat of it, please claim and share this message.  The family or community you impact may be your own.

Happy holidays.   Live and love well.  Peace and blessings.

“Dee”

FORECLOSURE SOLUTIONS – IMPORTANT TIPS TO AVOID FORECLOSURE

Many community development practitioners across America are responding to work to help keep families and homes together to stabilize and revitalize communities in the wake of the foreclosure crisis.     There are several things individuals and families can do to avoid foreclosure. Here are just a few:

1. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house.  They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.  When you call your lender or housing counselor; be prepared with your account information and a summary of the financial problems you are experiencing.  You should also have recent income statements and your household budget.

2. Don’t ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your home.

3. Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency for free guidance by calling the Homeowner’s HOPE ™ Hotline – 888-995-HOPE (4673) – or go to www.foreclosurehelpandhope.org. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free housing counseling nationwide.  Housing counselors, trained and certified, can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender.

4. Get help immediately. If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage or know you will have difficulty in the near future, call your lender!  Your lender will be able to provide you with options that may allow you to save your home.  Connect with a local HUD-approved counseling agency with trained, certified counselors for free by calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) or www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org

5. Open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems.  Your failure to open the mail will not delay or stop the foreclosure process.

6. Know your mortgage rights. Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can’t make your payments.  Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or your State Government Housing Office.

7. Understand foreclosure prevention options. Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found online at www.knowyouroptions.com

8. Avoid so-called foreclosure prevention companies. You don’t need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead.  Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate with your lender.  While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month’s mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a housing counselor will provide free if you contact them.

9. Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from a certified housing counselor. If you sign a document appointing someone else to act on your behalf, you may be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home!

10 . Maintain a household budget. A budget helps you recognize problems before they arise, and you can then change your commitments and behavior to prevent them.  Every month, take a look at your expenses, especially if your circumstances – and your income – have changed.  Set goals for yourself and work toward them.

Source: NeighborWorks® Center for Foreclosure Solutions.

Copyright 2010 Deborrah Gilbert.